Set consisting of a pump dispenser and an evaluation unit

ABSTRACT

A set including a pump dispenser for discharging pharmaceutical or cosmetic liquids and an external evaluation unit, which is designed to be exchangeable so that, after the pump dispenser has been emptied, the evaluation unit can be attached to a new pump dispenser. The evaluation unit can be attached to the discharging head of the pump dispenser such that the evaluation unit detects an actuation button and can be partially displaced with same. The evaluation unit can alternatively have a receiving container which is open on at least one side and into which the pump dispenser can be inserted and the force application of which is detected on actuation.

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a set consisting of a pump dispenser for thedischarge of pharmaceutical or cosmetic liquids, and further consistingof an evaluation unit.

Here, in the context of the invention, pump dispensers are the pumpdispensers which are well known from the prior art with a liquidreservoir, at the upper end of which a discharge head is provided. Saiddischarge head has a base which is fastened to the liquid reservoir, andan actuating button which can be pressed down with respect to the basefor the purpose of the discharge. The discharge head has a pump devicewhich can be actuated by way of pressing down of the actuating button,and which, in the case of actuation, conveys liquid from an inletchannel, which is connected to the liquid reservoir, to a dischargeopening which is provided on the discharge head.

Pump dispensers of the described type are comparatively simpleapparatuses which can be produced inexpensively. There is the desire forthe use of pump dispensers of this type to be logged, in order toprovide added benefits both for the user and for the producer of pumpdispensers and/or the liquids which are contained therein. Theelectronic components for the detection and further processing ofactuation operations of the pump dispenser are comparatively expensive,however, with the result that the integration into pump dispensers wouldnot as a rule be economical.

Problem and Solution

It is a problem of the invention to develop a pump dispenser of thedescribed type in such a way that a discharge is detected, in order forit to be possible for it to be processed further using data technology.

For this purpose, it is proposed to provide a set consisting of a pumpdispenser of the type mentioned at the outset and an evaluation unit,the evaluation unit being configured for the detection of the actuationof the pump device.

It is the basic concept of the present invention here that the pumpdispenser is supplemented by an evaluation unit which is configured asan external evaluation unit. Within the context of the invention, anexternal evaluation unit is understood to mean that it is not relevantfor the basic functionality of the pump dispenser. In the case of aremoved evaluation unit, the pump dispenser is functionally capable in aseparate state and can be used in a customary way. The externalevaluation unit of the set according to the invention supplements saidpump dispenser, and can be attached to the outer side of the pumpdispenser in such a way that it can detect an actuation by way ofpressing down of the actuating button. It is attached to the pumpdispenser in a simply releasable way, with the result that it is easyfor the user to replace the pump dispenser and to continue to use theevaluation unit with a new pump dispenser.

A detection sensor which is described in greater detail in the followingtext is provided for the detection of the actuation of the pumpdispenser by way of pressing down of the actuating button. Saiddetection sensor generates a digital or analog electric signal which canbe further processed and/or forwarded by further electronic componentsof the evaluation unit. The detection sensor is preferably configured asa displacement or force or pressure sensor.

In the case of the evaluation unit being attached to the pump dispenser,said sensor is preferably arranged in the force flow. In the case ofcustomary actuation, said force flow runs from that finger of the userwhich actuates the actuating button to the actuating button, from thereto the base of the discharge head and the liquid reservoir as far asthat hand of the user which grips around the liquid reservoir in thecase of customary operation.

The detection sensor is preferably arranged in such a way that itdetects the movement between the actuating button and the base of thedischarge head, or that it detects the force or the pressure between theliquid reservoir and the clasping hand of the user.

Two specific overall designs are proposed, in particular:

In the case of the first overall design, the evaluation unit isconfigured as an external evaluation unit which has a main segment whichis attached releasably in a stationary manner to the liquid reservoir orthe base of the discharge head, and which has an actuating segment whichcan be moved with respect to the main segment and the movement of whichwith respect to the main segment can be detected by way of the detectionsensor, the actuating segment being arranged on or above the actuatingbutton in such a way that, when the actuating button is pressed downwith respect to the base, the actuating segment is also moved withrespect to the main segment.

In the case of a second overall design, the evaluation unit isconfigured as an external evaluation unit which has a receivingcontainer which is open at least on one side and into which at least theliquid reservoir is pushed releasably, with the result that at least thedischarge opening protrudes out of the receiving container at a firstupper end, the detection sensor being arranged at an opposite second endof the receiving container or a closure which is attached thereto, whichdetection sensor, when the actuating button is pressed down, is applieda force to by the liquid reservoir, with the result that the actuationcan be detected by the detection sensor.

Depending on the overall design, the detection sensor is preferably ofdifferent configuration. In the case of the first overall design, inparticular, it is a force sensor or displacement sensor, a digitalevaluation being sufficient for most applications, with the result thata sensor of this type can be configured, in particular, as a simpleswitch which detects the movement of the actuating segment with respectto the main segment.

In the case of the second overall design, the detection sensor ispreferably a pressure sensor or a force sensor which measures the force,by way of which the liquid reservoir presses on the detection sensor.

Other types of sensors can fundamentally also be used as detectionsensor, however. Thus, for example, a vibration or acceleration sensorcan be used as detection sensor which detects the actuation indirectly,for example by vibrations being sensed which are caused by way of theactuating button passing one or more latching edges. Moreover, thepresence of a vibration or acceleration sensor in the evaluation unit isalso advantageous for other functions. Thus, for example, it can bedetermined in this way whether the pump dispenser has been shakensufficiently before use.

The evaluation unit can also have at least one sensor which is providedfor the detection of the liquid quantity which remains in the liquidreservoir. Depending on the configuration, in the case of the secondabovementioned overall design, said pressure sensor can also detect inthe rest state of the set how heavy the pump dispenser still is and canextrapolate the remaining liquid quantity herefrom.

Moreover, a wide variety of further sensors are conceivable which canexpediently be part of the evaluation unit. A sensor system can thus beprovided, in order to detect whether the evaluation unit is attached tothe pump dispenser. It is also conceivable that an identification labelwhich is unique to the pump dispenser or an identification label whichis specific to the liquid in the pump dispenser is read out by the pumpdispenser, for example for RFID technology. Further possible sensors aresensors for the detection of the liquid temperature and/or the ambienttemperature.

The evaluation unit can be configured in such a way that the detecteddata are stored directly in it and/or are shown via an indicatorapparatus, in particular in the form of light emitting diodes or adisplay. As an alternative or in addition, it is preferred if theevaluation unit has a wireless data interface, in particular in themanner of a Bluetooth interface, a 4G interface or a 5G interface, viawhich detected data are transmitted to a server or a separate evaluationdevice such as a mobile telephone.

The use of a set according to the invention allows pump dispensers whichare known per se to be supplemented in a simple way, such that thehandling by way of the user can be detected and processed further. Thisresults in various use possibilities:

From the perspective of the user and, in particular, in the region ofcosmetic applications, the possibility of data evaluation isadvantageous, since the user knows his/her type of usage himself/herselfand can receive suggestions in this regard from an evaluating program. Aprogram of this type which runs, in particular, on said externalevaluation unit can, for instance, analyze the frequency of use, thespecific type of use such as, for example, the type of pressing and thelike, and can make suggestions for other supplementary products such as,in particular, cosmetic products. If, in particular, a plurality ofdispensers which are used by the user have evaluation units of theabove-described type or another type, suggestions can be made in atargeted manner. The evaluation unit can also check the filling level ofa dispenser indirectly or directly, and can bring about reorderingoperations of the corresponding product in an automatic orsemi-automatic manner.

In the field of pharmaceutical liquids, a check can be made thatapplication times which are stipulated by a doctor are being observed.The data can optionally be forwarded to the doctor, with the result thathe/she gains an overview about the observance of the times.

Valuable data in respect of typical use can be derived from theperspective of the producer of the liquid which is stored in the pumpdispenser. It can thus be detected whether the frequency of use changesor where the use of the pump dispenser usually takes place.

Said pump dispenser is a substantially customary pump dispenser. Thereare no necessary adaptations which stand in the way of the use of knownpump dispensers with the described evaluation unit. This facilitates themarket introduction of the described system. Only if specialfunctionalities are desired, such as, for example, the uniqueidentification of a pump dispenser, in particular via an RFID tag, isthere a requirement for an adaptation of the pump dispenser.

Typical measures which are known per se and which a pump dispenser foruse in a set according to the invention has are the following: theliquid reservoir of the pump dispenser can be connected via asnap-action connection or a threaded connection to the discharge head.As an alternative, the base of the discharge head can be configured inone piece with the liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir is preferablyan elongate body, the main direction of extent of which preferablycoincides, in particular, with the movement direction of the actuatingbutton with respect to the base. The liquid reservoir is preferably ofsubstantially circular-cylindrical form, said liquid reservoir usuallybeing provided at an upper end with a latching edge or a thread forcoupling the discharge head. In the state in which it is ready for sale,the liquid reservoir is filled with a liquid, preferably with a cosmeticor pharmaceutical liquid, in particular with a cream, an ointment or alotion.

A pump dispenser which is part of a set according to the invention canhave an inscription on its outer side, for example trademarks,indications of contents of the liquid, or instructions for use.

The pump dispenser generically has a pump device, that is to say adevice which, when the actuating button is pressed down, isolates a partquantity of the liquid of the liquid reservoir from the liquid reservoirand subsequently conducts it to the discharge opening, the positivepressure which is provided for the discharge in the pump chamberpreferably being generated directly by way of the force applied to theactuating button. In particular, the pump device can have a pumpchamber, and an inlet-side inlet valve and an outlet-side outlet valve,the inlet valve opening in the case of negative pressure in the pumpchamber with respect to the liquid reservoir, and the outlet valveopening in the case of positive pressure in the pump chamber withrespect to the surrounding atmosphere. The pump chamber is variable interms of volume, this preferably being achieved, in particular, by wayof a compressible bellows or by way of a pump cylinder with an inner andmovable pump piston.

Although designs are possible, in the case of which the dischargeopening is provided at the base of the discharge head, the design whichis more customary in the case of pump dispensers with a dischargeopening on the actuating button is preferred in the present case. In thecase of a design of this type, when the actuating button is pressed downwith respect to the base of the discharge head, the discharge opening islikewise pressed down.

In the case of the first overall design of the evaluation unit, thefunctional principle is based on the fact that pressing down of theactuating button at the same time causes pressing down of the actuatingsegment with respect to the main segment which is stationary withrespect to the liquid reservoir, which is utilized for the purpose ofevaluation. For this purpose, the actuating segment can be attachedlaterally to the actuating button, with the result that said actuatingbutton continues to be pressed down directly by the user. It ispreferred, however, that the actuating segment is arranged between thefinger of the user and the actuating button in the case of theactuation, with the result a force is applied to the actuating buttonindirectly.

In the case of the second overall design of the evaluation unit, thefunctional principle is based on the fact that the user does not gripthe liquid reservoir directly by way of his/her hand, but rather insteadgrips the receiving container, on which the liquid reservoir issupported in the case of actuation. Therefore, an action of force whichis detected occurs between the liquid reservoir on one side and thereceiving container or its closure on the other side.

A set with the first overall design of the evaluation unit preferablycomprises a protective cap which, in the fitted state, covers theactuating button and/or the discharge opening. A protective cap of thistype is usually supplied together with known pump dispensers. Itprevents that, for example in the case of transport in a pocket, theactuating button is accidentally pressed down.

If a protective cap of this type is sufficiently large, it can bepossible in individual cases for the evaluation unit of said firstoverall design to be accommodated completely within the receiving spaceof the protective cap.

It is preferred, however, that the protective cap is adapted to thedischarge head and the main segment of the evaluation unit in such a waythat it can be coupled in a non-positive or positively locking manner tothe discharge head on one side and to the main segment on the otherside. This allows a protective cap to selectively be attached directlyto the discharge head or to the liquid reservoir in the case of non-useof the evaluation unit, and to instead attach the protective cap to theevaluation unit in the case of the latter being used. In order to avoiddropping of the protective cap, the latter firstly and the dischargehead and the main segment secondly should be suitable for permitting astable coupling. This can be achieved, for example, by way ofcorresponding latching elements, by way of a bayonet or by way of athread.

The protective cap and the main segment of the evaluation unit can haveidentical coupling devices which can be coupled in each case to acoupling device on the discharge head or the liquid reservoir. The useof identical coupling devices on the protective cap and on the mainsegment allows the main segment to be attached on the discharge head oron the liquid reservoir where the protective cap is attached in the caseof a missing evaluation unit. The discharge head or the liquid reservoirtherefore do not have to be configured in a special way, in order topermit an attachment of the evaluation unit. Nevertheless, minorvariations in the dimensions can achieve a situation where an evaluationunit which is coupled on the discharge head or the liquid reservoir canbe released only with an increased effort which is higher than theeffort which is usually required for the removal of the protective cap.

The main segment of an evaluation unit of the first overall designpreferably has a ring section which surrounds a free region, throughwhich the pump dispenser can be pushed as far as into a couplingposition. The configuration of the evaluation unit with a ring sectionis firstly intuitive, since it can be seen very simply through the freeregion of the ring section how the evaluation unit is to be attached tothe pump dispenser. In addition, the ring section permits a particularlystable hold and can also be integrated esthetically in a verysatisfactory manner into a commercially available pump dispenser.

The ring section is preferably closed. Designs are also conceivable,however, in the case of which the ring is slotted, for example in orderto be widened slightly in the assembled state and, as a result, to makefixing by means of strong clamping force possible.

A receiving housing for electronic components and/or a battery can beprovided on the ring section on one side. A receiving housing of thistype which is arranged asymmetrically on the ring section can benecessary, since it is usually difficult to provide the desiredelectronic components including the battery solely in a ring section. Inparticular, the mechanism for guiding the actuating segment can also beintegrated more simply if the ring section is supplemented in anasymmetrical way by a receiving housing which is attached to it orintegrally formed on it. In particular, a receiving housing of this typeis also expedient when the evaluation unit itself is to have a display.A display of this type is usually to be accommodated in the ring sectionin a scarcely satisfactorily legible manner.

The actuating segment can be movable with respect to the main segment invarious ways. Thus, for example, a pivoting movability is conceivable.The actuating segment is preferably guided, however, by way of a slidingguide in a translational manner on the main segment of the evaluationunit. Depending on the configuration, the sliding guide can permit alinear movement or else a movement which takes place in a slight curve.

The sliding guide can be realized in a very simple manner and, inparticular on account of the usually linear movability of the actuatingbutton with respect to the base of the discharge head, is suitable toalso make an identical movability of the actuating segment with respectto the main segment possible.

The guide section, which, in particular, preferably dips into a housingof the main segment in the case of a sliding guide of this type when theactuating segment is pressed down, is preferably reinforced in order toachieve an increased stability. This can be achieved, in particular, byvirtue of the fact that the guide section has a curved cross section. Acurved cross section of this type can be provided so as to follow theusually round cross-sectional shape of the actuating button and tosurround said actuating button partially.

The actuating segment preferably has a pressing face which protrudesfrom one side beyond the actuating button, with the result that theactuating button is likewise pressed down indirectly by way of theactuating segment being pressed down.

Said pressing face is that face to which a force is applied directly bythe user in the case of an attached evaluation unit, with the resultthat the risk is low that an actuation of the actuating segmentaccidentally does not take place in the case of an actuation of theactuating button. The actuating segment preferably protrudes from oneside beyond the actuating button, and otherwise leaves the actuatingbutton free at the sides, with the result that the discharge openingremains uninfluenced in the discharge direction despite the protrudingactuating button.

The evaluation unit preferably has a transmission device, by way ofwhich the movement of the actuating segment with respect to the mainsegment is converted into a movement which is directed differently or islimited differently, which movement is then utilized for triggering thedetection sensor.

The transmission device makes it easier for the force which emanatesfrom the actuating segment to be deflected in such a way that adetection sensor, in particular a switch, which is spaced apart from itis triggered. In particular, the transmission device can carry out alimited movement such that the movement of the actuating button in afirst phase brings about the deflection of the transmission device, butthen no longer moves the latter further. As a result, the risk isreduced that a detection sensor, for example a switch, is damaged by wayof excessive pressing of the actuating segment. For this purpose, inparticular, the transmission device can have a contact member which isarranged in such a way that, in the case of movement of the actuatingsegment, it is first of all likewise moved, and subsequently slideswithout individual movement on the actuating segment which is moved in acontinued manner.

In the case of a set with the second overall design of the evaluationunit, the latter preferably has a sensor unit which comprises thedetection sensor. Said sensor unit is arranged between the liquidreservoir of the pump dispenser and the bottom of the receivingcontainer or a closure which is attached on the bottom side.

The arrangement of the detection sensor at the lower second end of thereceiving container, possibly in the region of a closure which isprovided there, allows a very simple evaluation. In the case ofactuation, the sensor unit is pressed together in its entirety. In thecase of a mechanically or electronically provided threshold value beingreached, an actuation can then be perceived as having taken place by theelectronics of the evaluation unit.

In particular, the detection sensor which is arranged in this way can bea force sensor or a pressure sensor which measures the force or thepressure which acts from the liquid reservoir in the direction of thebottom of the receiving container or the closure there.

Two design variants are considered to be particularly advantageous withregard to the second overall design of the evaluation unit.

In the case of a set with the second overall design of the evaluationunit, in the case of a first design variant, the receiving container canbe of permanently closed configuration at the second lower end, and, atits first end, can have an opening which is sufficiently great, in orderthat at least the liquid reservoir can be pushed in. “Permanentlyclosed” is also understood to mean a design which, although itfundamentally permits opening, does not permit it with an acceptableeffort for the user.

In the case of said design variant, in proper use, the pump dispenser ispushed into the receiving container from above, that is to say from thefirst end. Here, the receiving container is preferably sufficiently longthat at least the liquid reservoir can be received in the receivingcontainer completely or virtually completely (more than 80%).

In order that the pump dispenser which has been pushed in cannotsubsequently fall out of the receiving container, the receivingcontainer is preferably provided with a holding device, by way of whichholding device the pump dispenser which has previously been pushed incan be secured in a non-positive or positively locking manner againstsliding out. In the simplest case, a holding device of this type can bean elastically deflectable pawl. It is important here that this does notneed to be destroyed during the intended removal of the pump dispenserfor the purpose of replacement. More complex systems can also providethat the holding device has a part which is separate from the receivingcontainer and, after the pump dispenser has been pushed into thereceiving container, is placed on top and is secured, for example, bymeans of a bayonet or a thread.

In the case of a set with the second overall design of the evaluationunit, in the case of a second design variant, the receiving containercan be of open configuration on both sides, an opening at the first endhaving an inside cross section which is smaller at least in sectionsthan the maximum cross section of the pump dispenser, with the resultthat the pump dispenser can be pushed from the inside through theopening only partially, but at least with the discharge opening. In thecase of said second design variant, during intended use, the pumpdispenser is introduced from the opposite second end, that is to sayfrom below. On account of the size of the opening of the receivingcontainer at the upper first end, the pump dispenser can be pushed inonly to a limited extent here.

In the case of said second design variant, it is preferably providedthat the evaluation unit has a closure for closing the receivingcontainer at the second end, the closure being configured such that itcan be removed and coupled, in order that it can be detached when theold pump dispenser is to be removed or reinserted, and in order that thenew pump dispenser can be secured in the receiving container afterinsertion of said new pump dispenser.

The fastening of the closure to the receiving container can also takeplace by means of a thread or a bayonet. A frictionally locking couplingis also fundamentally conceivable, but is not preferred.

The closure can be configured as a part which is considerably shorterthan the receiving container and closes merely the receiving containerat the lower end. The closure can also have a greater length, however,with the result that the fastening of the closure to the receivingcontainer instead takes place centrally between the opposite ends of theevaluation unit.

Together with the receiving container, the closure defines an interiorspace for the pump dispenser. Said interior space is preferablysufficiently great, in order that at least the liquid reservoir of thepump dispenser can be received therein completely or virtuallycompletely (greater than 80%).

In the case of one design of the evaluation unit with a closure of thedescribed type, it is advantageous if the closure itself has the sensorunit, a plurality of variants being possible here. The closure candirectly form the housing for electronic components of the sensor unit.As an alternative, the sensor unit can have a dedicated housing which isprovided fixedly or releasably in the closure.

The receiving container is preferably manufactured at least in sectionsfrom a transparent material, in particular from a transparent plastic.The transparent design of the receiving container, which is consideredas given when an inscription on the pump dispenser can be read evenafter insertion of said pump dispenser into the receiving container,permits precisely that legibility of the inscription. As a result,different pump dispensers can be identified reliably even when they areinserted in each case into receiving containers of evaluation units.

It is also advantageous in the case of an evaluation unit according tothe second design variant if a protective cap is provided. It isfundamentally conceivable that said protective cap is that protectivecap which can be fastened to the discharge head of the pump dispensereven in the case of use of the pump dispenser without an evaluationunit. A design of this type limits the construction of the evaluationunit, however, with the result that it is considered to be preferred ifthe set comprises a protective cap which is configured for releasablefastening to the first end of the receiving container. The dedicatedprotective cap which is possibly also supplied with the pump dispenseris then no longer used, and is replaced by the protective cap which canbe fastened to the receiving container. Said protective cap forfastening to the receiving container can be fastened releasably to thereceiving container in a conventional way by means of a coupling with apositively locking or non-positive action.

As has already been mentioned at the outset, the evaluation of thedetected data can take place directly at the evaluation unit, with theresult that the latter does not need any interfaces, in order to forwardthe data. One design is preferred, however, in which it is possible forthe evaluation unit to transmit detected data to a further device,because this makes deeper analyses and improved visual preparation ofthe detected data possible.

It is fundamentally conceivable here that the evaluation unit itself isconnected to the Internet, for example via WLAN, 4G radio networks or 5Gradio networks. It can then transmit the detected data to a centralserver without a further active device of the user being connected inbetween.

It is preferred, however, if the set with the pump dispenser and theevaluation unit additionally comprises a mobile evaluation device, inparticular in the form of a mobile telephone of the user, which isconnected via a wireless interface, in particular the abovementionedBluetooth interface, to the evaluation unit. Programs for the evaluationof the detected data can run on said mobile evaluation device. Furthersensors of the evaluation device can also be used, in order tosupplement the data of the evaluation unit. For example, globallocalization, as is possible, for example, via GPS, is associated withcomparatively great technical complexity, with the result that it can beadvantageous to keep the evaluation unit free from a correspondingtechnical design and, instead, to use the mobile evaluation device, thatis to say, in particular, a mobile telephone with a program (app), forthe detection of the position. It can certainly be expedient, however,to provide the evaluation unit itself with a device for globallocalization, since it does not always have to be ensured that themobile evaluation device is at the same location as the evaluation unit.

The data which relate directly to the actuation, such as time andlocation, can belong to the data which the evaluation unit or the mobileevaluation device stores or evaluates. Characteristic features of theactuation can also be evaluated, however, such as, for example, theactuating speed or the stroke length. The evaluation of ambientparameters, such as, for example, the temperature, can also beexpedient. The data are preferably transmitted to a central servereither directly by the evaluation unit or by the mobile evaluationdevice, which central server makes supplementary analyses possible, evenacross a plurality of users.

The set preferably comprises a mobile evaluation device, in particularin the form of a mobile telephone, which is connected via a wirelessinterface to the evaluation unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and aspects of the invention result from the claimsand from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments ofthe invention which are described in the following text on the basis ofthe figures.

FIG. 1 shows a customary pump dispenser, as known from the prior art.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the method of operation in the case of actuation withrespect to the pump dispenser from FIG. 1, in a sectioned illustration.

FIG. 4 shows a set according to the invention with the pump dispenserfrom FIGS. 1 to 3 and an evaluation unit which is attached to the latterin accordance with a first overall design.

FIG. 5 shows a sectioned illustration of the individual components ofthe set from FIG. 4 and the type of assembly.

FIG. 6 shows the set according to FIG. 4 in a sectioned illustrationafter assembly has been concluded.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the method of operation in the case of actuation withrespect to the set from FIG. 4 in a sectioned illustration.

FIG. 9 shows a set according to the invention with the pump dispenserfrom FIGS. 1 to 3 and an evaluation unit which is attached to the latterin accordance with a second overall design in a first design variant.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the set from FIG. 9 after assembly has beenconcluded.

FIG. 12 shows the method of operation in the case of actuation withrespect to the set from FIG. 9 in a sectioned illustration.

FIG. 13 shows a set according to the invention with the pump dispenserfrom FIGS. 1 to 3 and an evaluation unit which is attached to the latterin accordance with a second overall design in a second design variant.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the set from FIG. 13 after assembly has beenconcluded.

FIG. 16 shows the method of operation in the case of actuation withrespect to the set from FIG. 13 in a sectioned illustration.

FIG. 17 shows the connection of a set according to the invention by wayof a mobile telephone to a central server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a substantially conventional pump dispenser, as willbe part of a set according to the invention.

With respect to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the pump dispenser 10 has aliquid reservoir 20 which is configured as a container which is open atthe top, on the shell wall 22 of which liquid reservoir 20 aninscription 26 is provided. A discharge head 30 is coupled to the liquidreservoir by means of a coupling device 42 in the manner of a thread.Said discharge head 30 has an actuating button 60 which can be presseddown in the direction of the main direction of extent 2 of the pumpdispenser, which actuating button 60, in proper use, is pressed downmanually by applying a force in the region of an actuating face 64, inorder, as a result, to discharge liquid from the liquid reservoir 20through a discharge opening 62 which is provided on the actuatingbutton. In the unused state, the discharge head can be covered by way ofa protective cap 70 which is fastened to the base 40 of the dischargehead in a latching manner in the region of a latching edge 44.

As can be gathered from FIG. 2, a pump device 50 is provided within thedischarge head 30. Said pump device 50 comprises a pump chamber 52, thevolume of which can be reduced by way of pressing down of the actuatingbutton 60, which pump chamber 52 is connected via an inlet channel 53 tothe liquid reservoir 20 and via an outlet channel 55 to the dischargeopening 62. Both the inlet channel 53 and the outlet channel 55 in eachcase have a valve 54, 56. The inlet valve 54 opens in the case ofnegative pressure in the pump chamber 52 with respect to the liquidreservoir 20 and therefore in the case of an upwardly directed restoringmovement of the actuating button 60. In this phase, the outlet valve 56is closed, since it opens only in the case of positive pressure in thepump chamber 52 with respect to the surrounding atmosphere and otherwisecloses. In the case of pressing down of the actuating button 60 incontrast, the outlet valve 56 opens, whereas the inlet valve 54 isclosed. In this way, it is possible in the manner which can be seen inFIG. 3 for liquid from the pump chamber 52 to be moved in the actuatingdirection 4 by way of pressing down of the actuating button 60. In thecase of the present exemplary embodiment, the pump device 50 isconfigured as a bellows pump device, and therefore has a bellows body 51which surrounds the pump chamber 52. Other possible overall designs areprovided, for example, a piston pump, in the case of which, in the caseof pressing down of the actuating button 60, a piston is moved within acylinder in order to reduce the pump chamber 52.

FIGS. 4 to 8 show a first exemplary embodiment of a set according to theinvention.

FIG. 4 shows the assembled state, just like FIG. 6. It can be seen thatthe above-described pump dispenser 10 is supplemented by an evaluationunit 100. Said evaluation unit 100 will be described on the basis of thepreassembly situation of FIG. 5, in which it is shown in sectioned form.

The evaluation unit 100 has a ring section 114 which merges on one sideinto a receiving housing 116 for receiving electronic components.Together, the ring section 114 and the receiving housing 116 form theessential parts of a main segment 110 of the evaluation unit 100. Thesecond element of the evaluation unit 100 which can be seen from theoutside is an actuating segment 120 which is provided in anapproximately L-shaped form on the upper side of the evaluation unit 100and can be moved by means of a vertical sliding guide 118 in atranslational manner with respect to the main segment 110. This issuitable in a way which will still be explained in the further text forpivoting a transmission component 150 which for its part actuates aswitch 140.

The switch 140 is part of a sensor unit 130 in the receiving housing116. Moreover, in a way which is not denoted in greater detail, thesensor unit 130 has radio elements for Bluetooth, WLAN and/or mobilecommunications (3G, 4G, 5G). Also included, furthermore, are a batteryas power supply and further sensors, such as, in particular, atemperature sensor, a GPS chip and an acceleration sensor. In the caseof the present exemplary embodiment, furthermore, a display 160 is alsoprovided which can also be dispensed with, however, depending on theintended purpose.

Furthermore, it can be seen with reference to FIG. 5 how the assemblytakes place. A coupling device in the manner of a groove 115 is providedon the inner side of the ring section 114 of the main segment 110. Saidcoupling device is dimensioned in such a way that it can be coupled tothe latching edge 44 of the base 40 of the discharge head, theconnection which is joined in this way deliberately being very stiff, inorder that the evaluation unit is not accidentally pulled off togetherwith the cap. Furthermore, the ring section 114 of the main segment 110has a latching edge 117 which, with regard to its configuration,corresponds approximately to that of the latching edge 44, with theresult that the protective cap 70 can be latched here with the latchinggroove 72 which is provided on it.

In other words, in the case of the assembly of a set according to FIGS.4 to 8, the evaluation unit 100 is fastened to the discharge head 30where otherwise the protective cap 70 would be fastened. The protectivecap 70 for its part is fastened to the latching edge 117 of theevaluation unit 100.

FIG. 6 shows a sectioned illustration of the assembled state.

The operation is clarified on the basis of FIGS. 7 and 8. The actuatingsegment 120 of the evaluation unit 100 protrudes beyond the actuatingface 64 of the actuating button 60, with the result that an applicationof a force to the actuating button 60 takes place in a manner which isintuitive and obvious to the user by way of pressing down of theactuating segment 120. For this purpose, a pressing face 124 is providedon the upper side of the actuating segment 120. If the actuating segment120 is pressed down in the actuating direction 4 in the way which isclarified in FIG. 8, this also leads to pressing down of the actuatingbutton 60 and, accordingly, to a discharge of liquid.

At the same time, however, a lower edge 126 of the actuating segment 120presses the transmission component 150 to the side, as FIG. 8 shows.Said transmission component 150 pivots in the process about a pivot axiswhich is provided at the lower end of the transmission component 150,with the result that a boom 154 triggers the switch 140 and thereforeallows said sensor unit 130 of the evaluation unit 100 to detect thedischarge operation which has taken place. The sensor module can storethe actuation together with time stamp, location specification and/ordata of the other sensors, and/or can transmit it in a wireless mannerto a receiver.

Continued pressing down of the actuating segment 120 does not lead to afurther deflection of the transmission component 150, since the latterthen slides along on the actuating segment 120. There is therefore noreason to fear that an excessively great movement of the actuatingsegment 120 damages any other components of the evaluation unit 100.

FIGS. 9 to 12 show a second exemplary embodiment. A pump dispenser 10 isalso used here, which pump dispenser 10 can be configured in the sameway as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

In addition, a set according to FIGS. 9 to 12 comprises an evaluationunit 200 which is formed in this case primarily by way of a receivingcontainer 210, on the lower bottom 214 of which a sensor unit 230 rests.A force or pressure sensor 242 is arranged in said sensor unit 230,which force or pressure sensor 242 can be triggered by way of forceapplied to the upper side 232 of the sensor unit 230. The receivingcontainer 210 has a length, by way of which the pump dispenser 10 can bereceived predominantly and its liquid reservoir 20 can be receivedcompletely.

FIG. 11 shows the assembled state. It can be seen that a holding device240 in the form of a latching ring on the inner side of the receivingcontainer 210 at its upper end 210 a ensures that the inserted pumpdispenser 10 is not at risk of slipping out of the receiving container210. Furthermore, it can be seen that the liquid reservoir 20 of thepump dispenser 10 lies with its bottom 28 on the upper side 232 of thesensor unit 230. FIG. 11 otherwise shows, furthermore, that the set hasa protective cap 270 which, in the present case, is fastened via africtionally locking coupling to the upper end 210 a of the receivingcontainer 210.

FIG. 12 clarifies the use of the set according to FIGS. 9 to 11. Duringsaid use, a user usually grips around the receiving container 210 atleast with his/her thumb and middle finger, and actuates the actuatingbutton 60 in the actuating direction 4 by means of his/her index finger.In the way which has already been described above, the force which isapplied here brings about the reduction in volume of the pump chamber 52and therefore the discharge of liquid from the pump chamber 52.

Furthermore, said force also acts (indicated by way of the arrow 6) onthe upper side 232 of the sensor unit 230, however, and therefore makesit possible for the electronic components of the evaluation unit 200 todetect the discharge operation. Proceeding from the detected actuation,the further processing can take place in the above-described manner.

FIGS. 13 to 16 show a design of similar type. Here too, a pump dispenser10 in accordance with that from FIGS. 1 to 3 is provided, which pumpdispenser 10 is received in a receiving container 210.

In this case, however, the pump dispenser 10 is pushed from below in theassembly direction into the receiving container 210, with the resultthat ultimately the discharge head 30 or at least the actuating button60 protrudes out of the receiving container 210 at the top. A closure220 is fastened in the assembly direction 8 by means of a thread 222 tothe lower end 210B of the receiving container, said closure having asensor unit 230 which is similar or identical to that of the precedingexemplary embodiment.

The fundamental method of operation (shown in FIGS. 15 and 16) is thesame as that in FIGS. 11 and 12. Here too, the actuation acts in theactuating direction 4 on the sensor unit 230, with the result that theforce or pressure sensor 242 triggers and makes further processing ofsaid information possible in the above-described way.

A substantial difference arises only in the case of the replacement ofthe pump dispenser. In the case of the design according to FIGS. 13 to16, the closure 220 is first of all to be unscrewed for the purpose ofthe replacement, and the pump dispenser 10 is then to be removed andreplaced by a new pump dispenser 10, with the result that the closure220 can then be screwed on again.

The described receiving containers 210 are manufactured from atransparent plastic, with the result that the inscription 26 remainslegible despite the receiving container.

FIG. 17 shows (by way of example on the basis of the set according toFIGS. 4 to 8) the method of operation of the set with regard to the datatransfer. In its receiving housing 116, the pump dispenser 10 which isprovided with the evaluation unit 100 has a wireless interface inaccordance with the Bluetooth standard. Via this, the evaluation unit100 is coupled to a separate evaluation device 300, in the present casein the manner of a mobile telephone. This means that, in the case ofevery discharge which has taken place or at a later time in the case ofan absence of the evaluation device, the evaluation unit 100 transmitsthe actuation to the mobile evaluation device 300, where the data can beaggregated and evaluated.

The data can also be supplemented with further data. Thus, for example,the GPS chip set of the mobile telephone can be used, in order tosupplement the data with the location of the actuation.

The mobile evaluation device 300 is connected via the Internet to acentral server 400 which can be located, in particular, in the area ofcontrol of the manufacturer of the pump dispenser. As a result, saidmanufacturer receives data about the usage which it can use during theimprovement of the product. After evaluation of the data from the mobileevaluation device 300, the central server 400 can also send the latterinformation with respect to suggested actions for the user. It is alsoconceivable that the filling level of the dispenser is taken intoconsideration and an additional delivery of a pump dispenser is possiblyoffered or takes place automatically.

The determination of the filling level of the pump dispenser is firstlypossible indirectly via the fact that the number of discharge operationsis counted. It is also conceivable, however, that, for example, thesensor unit 230 is capable of determining how much liquid still remainsin the pump dispenser 10 on the basis of the weight of said pumpdispenser 10, which weight acts on said sensor unit 230 in the reststate.

1. A set consisting of a pump dispenser for the discharge ofpharmaceutical or cosmetic liquids, and further consisting of anevaluation unit with the following features: a. the pump dispenser has aliquid reservoir, to the upper end of which a discharge head isattached, and b. the discharge head has a base which is fastened to theliquid reservoir, and an actuating button which can be pressed down withrespect to the base for the purpose of the discharge, and c. thedischarge head has a pump device which can be actuated by way ofpressing down of the actuating button, and which, in the case ofactuation, conveys liquid from an inlet channel, which is connected tothe liquid reservoir, to a discharge opening which is provided on thedischarge head, and d. the evaluation unit is configured for thedetection of the actuation of the pump device, the evaluation unit beingconfigured as an external evaluation unit which has a main segment whichis attached releasably in a stationary manner to the liquid reservoir orthe base of the discharge head, and which has an actuating segment whichcan be moved with respect to the main segment and the movement of whichwith respect to the main segment can be detected by way of a detectionsensor, the actuating segment being arranged on or above the actuatingbutton in such a way that, when the actuating button is pressed downwith respect to the base, the actuating segment is also moved withrespect to the main segment, or the evaluation unit being configured asan external evaluation unit which has a receiving container which isopen at least on one side and into which at least the liquid reservoiris pushed releasably, with the result that at least the dischargeopening protrudes out of the receiving container at a first upper end,wherein a detection sensor is arranged at an opposite second end of thereceiving container or a closure which is attached thereto, which, whenthe actuating button is pressed down, a force is applied to by theliquid reservoir, with the result that the actuation can be detected bythe detection sensor.
 2. The set as claimed in claim 1 with thefollowing additional feature: a. the set comprises a protective capwhich, in the fitted state, covers the actuating button and/or thedischarge opening, preferably with at least one of the following furtherfeatures: b. the protective cap is adapted to the discharge head and themain segment of the evaluation unit in such a way that it can be coupledin a non-positive or positively locking manner to the discharge head andthe main segment, and/or c. the protective cap and the main segment ofthe evaluation unit have identical coupling devices which can be coupledin each case to a coupling device on the discharge head or the liquidreservoir, and/or d. the protective cap is configured for latchingcoupling on the main segment of the evaluation unit, and the mainsegment is configured for latching coupling on the discharge head or theliquid reservoir, a lower tensile force being provided for releasing thelatching coupling between the protective cap and the main segment. 3.The set as claimed in claim 1 claims with the following additionalfeature: a. the main segment of the evaluation unit has a ring sectionwhich surrounds a free region, through which the pump dispenser can bepushed as far as into a coupling position, preferably with the followingfurther feature: b. a receiving housing for electronic components and/ora battery is provided on the ring section on one side.
 4. The set asclaimed in claim 1 with the following additional feature: a. theactuating segment is guided by way of a sliding guide in a translationalmanner on the main segment of the evaluation unit, preferably with thefollowing further feature: b. the actuating segment has a guide sectionof the sliding guide, which guide section has a curved cross section, byway of which the guide section surrounds the actuating button partially.5. The set as claimed in claim 1 with the following additional feature:a. the actuating segment has a pressing face which protrudes from oneside beyond the actuating button, with the result that the actuatingbutton is likewise pressed down indirectly by way of the actuatingsegment being pressed down.
 6. The set as claimed in claim 1 with thefollowing additional feature: a. the evaluation unit has a transmissiondevice, by way of which the movement of the actuating segment withrespect to the main segment is converted into a movement which isdirected differently or is limited differently, which movement is thenutilized for triggering the detection sensor, preferably with thefollowing further feature: b. the transmission device has a contactmember which is arranged in such a way that, in the case of movement ofthe actuating segment, it is first of all likewise moved, andsubsequently slides without individual movement on the actuating segmentwhich is moved in a continued manner.
 7. The set as claimed in claim 1with the following additional features: a. the evaluation unit has asensor unit which comprises the detection sensor, and b. the sensor unitis arranged between the liquid reservoir of the pump dispenser and abottom or a closure which is attached on the bottom side, preferablywith the following additional feature: c. the detection sensor isconfigured as a force sensor or a pressure sensor which measures theforce or the pressure which acts from the liquid reservoir in thedirection of the bottom of the receiving container or the bottom-sideclosure.
 8. The set as claimed in claim 1 with the following additionalfeature: a. the receiving container is of permanently closedconfiguration at the second end and, at its first end, has an openingwhich is sufficiently great, in order that at least the liquid reservoircan be pushed in, preferably with at least one of the following furtherfeatures: b. the receiving container has a length which is sufficientlygreat, in order that the liquid reservoir can be received thereincompletely or virtually completely, and/or c. the receiving containerhas a holding device at the first end, by way of which holding devicethe pump dispenser which is pushed in can be secured in a non-positiveor positively locking manner against sliding out.
 9. The set as claimedin claim 1 with the following additional feature: a. the receivingcontainer is of open configuration on both sides, an opening at thefirst end having an inside free cross section which is smaller at leastin sections than the maximum cross section of the pump dispenser, withthe result that the pump dispenser can be pushed from the inside throughthe opening only partially, but at least with the discharge opening. 10.The set as claimed in claim 9 with the following additional feature: a.the evaluation unit has a closure for closing the receiving container atthe second end, the closure being configured such that it can be removedand coupled, preferably with at least one of the following furtherfeatures: b. together with the receiving container, the closure delimitsan interior space which is sufficiently great, in order that the liquidreservoir can be received therein completely or virtually completely,and/or c. the closure can be coupled on the receiving container by meansof a thread or a bayonet coupling, and/or d. the closure has the sensorunit, the closure forming a housing of the sensor unit or beingconfigured for fixed or releasable receiving of a housing of the sensorunit.
 11. The set as claimed in claim 1 with the following additionalfeature: a. the receiving container is manufactured at least in sectionsfrom a transparent material, preferably from a transparent plastic. 12.The set as claimed in claim 1 with the following additional feature: a.the receiving container has a shell wall, the shape of which correspondssubstantially to the shape of a shell wall of the liquid reservoir, theshell walls preferably in each case having a circular-cylindrical form.13. The set as claimed in claim 1 with the following additional feature:a. the set comprises a protective cap which is configured for releasablefastening to the first end of the receiving container.
 14. The set asclaimed in claim 1 and with at least one of the following additionalfeatures: a. the liquid reservoir of the pump dispenser is connected viaa snap-action connection or a threaded connection to the discharge head,or the base of the discharge head is configured in one piece with theliquid reservoir, and/or b. the liquid reservoir is shaped in asubstantially circular-cylindrical manner, and/or c. the liquidreservoir is provided in the region of a shell wall on the outer sidewith an inscription, and/or d. the pump device has a pump chamber, aninlet-side inlet valve and an outlet-side outlet valve, the inlet valveopening in the case of negative pressure in the pump chamber withrespect to the liquid reservoir, and the outlet valve opening in thecase of positive pressure in the pump chamber with respect to thesurrounding atmosphere, and/or e. the discharge opening is attached tothe actuating button, with the result that, when the actuating button ispressed down with respect to the base of the discharge head, it islikewise pressed down, and/or f. the liquid reservoir is filled with acosmetic or pharmaceutical liquid, in particular with a cream, anointment or a lotion.
 15. The set as claimed in claim 1 with thefollowing additional feature: a. the set comprises a mobile evaluationdevice, in particular in the form of a mobile telephone, which isconnected via a wireless interface to the evaluation unit, preferablywith at least one of the following further features: b. the wirelessdata interface is a Bluetooth interface, and/or c. the evaluation unithas a memory, in which data which are detected by the detection sensorare stored, in order later, in the case of an existing radio connection,to be transmitted to the mobile evaluation device or a central server.16. The set as claimed in claim 1 with at least one of the followingadditional features: a. the evaluation unit has at least one sensor inthe manner of a pressure sensor, force sensor or displacement sensor, inparticular in the form of a switch, and/or b. the evaluation unit has atleast one sensor which is provided for the detection of the liquidquantity which is remaining in the liquid reservoir, and/or c. theevaluation unit has at least one acceleration sensor, and/or d. theevaluation unit or the mobile evaluation device has at least one sensorin the manner of a global position detection device, and/or e. theevaluation unit or the mobile evaluation device is configured, in thecase of each actuation which is detected by way of the detection sensor,to store the time, the location, characteristic features of theactuation or surrounding parameters, and/or to send them via theInternet to a central server, and/or f. the evaluation unit has anindicator device, in particular in the form of light emitting diodes ora display.